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“What Did My Doctor Say?” 

Tips for Better Understanding Your Care

Making decisions about your health care can feel overwhelming. But when you have the right information, and the right tools, it becomes more manageable. We have tips, tools, and resources to help you get the most out of your health care. 

Be informed, so you can be involved in your care 

It’s important that you know what your providers’ advice and instructions mean, and how your treatment will work. When you fully understand your medical information, you're better equipped to take care of your health. This means you can follow instructions more easily, take medications the right way, and know when to reach out for help. 

You can play an active role in your care by talking with your health care team about any questions or concerns you have during your visit. Many Veterans find it helpful to write a list of questions before their appointment, take notes during their visit, or bring a family member or close friend with them for support. You should never hesitate to ask questions if you don’t understand something.  

Get the most out of your visit 

We encourage you to prepare for your visit so we can serve you better. Here are 7 tips for you to get the most out of your VA health care appointments: 

  1. Plan ahead. Prepare for your visit by using the AHRQ QuestionBuilder app. This free mobile app helps you prepare for medical visits by planning questions you might ask or be asked by a medical provider. 
  2. Bring a list of all medications and supplements you’re taking. Keeping your providers informed about what you’re taking helps them provide the best and safest care for you.  
  3. Tell your provider what matters most to you. Sharing your priorities and your concerns helps them understand your needs and provide care that’s tailored to your life. 
  4. Ask your provider to use words that are easy to understand. Have them explain things in more detail if it’s needed or helpful. 
  5. Repeat back information. To make sure you’ve understood correctly, tell your provider what you heard in your own words. This way, they can correct any misunderstandings right away. 
  6. Take notes. Write down important points during your doctor’s visit. It’s easy to forget things, and notes can help you remember what to do later. 
  7. Use Reliable Sources. You may want to learn more about a health topic after your visit. You can find reliable information for many health topics on the Veterans Health Library website. 

You can also watch this short Ask Me 3 video to learn how to get the information you want at your visit.

Better communication leads to better care 

Before your next appointment, you can use My HealtheVet resources to be prepared to talk with your providers. The Blue Button feature on My HealtheVet gives you a detailed view of your VA health record. Download and print a custom Blue Button report with your medications and self-entered supplements to bring with you to your appointment.  

You can have a printed version of your health record in front of you at any time, or you can share it with your VA provider through a Secure Message. This can help both you and your health care team make informed decisions. 

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Read More

Veterans Health Library
Be Involved in Your Healthcare (National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention)
VA Celebrates Health Literacy Month  (VA News)
Knowledge with the Power to Heal (VA News)
Learn More about the My HealtheVet VA Blue Button

Created October 10, 2024